What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Latin splendidus, meaning 'shining' or 'bright', which gives it the sense of something magnificent or brilliant.
Which one should you use?
While bello is the common term for 'beautiful', splendido is a more intense way to express that something is gorgeous. If you want to be more formal, you can use meraviglioso or meravigliosa (marvelous or wonderful). For a more informal tone, you might use spettacolare (spectacular or amazing).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, splendido must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use splendido for masculine singular nouns, splendida for feminine singular nouns, splendidi for masculine plural nouns and splendide for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈsplɛn.di.do/.
Did you know?
- The adjective splendido can be used sarcastically to describe a disastrous situation, similar to how an English speaker might say 'just wonderful'.
- The word can be used to describe a person's character or a gesture, as in a 'splendid' act of kindness, moving the concept of 'gorgeous' into the realm of morality.
- In Italy, splendido is frequently used to describe the weather, specifically a perfectly clear and sunny day, whereas 'gorgeous' in English is more often applied to people or objects.
Examples in context
- Non è splendido il suo anello?Isn't her ring gorgeous?This sentence uses splendido to ask if a ring is gorgeous.Tatoeba #3068376 by Guybrush88, translation #3068370 by CM
- Ha un aspetto splendido in quel vestito.You look gorgeous in that dress.This sentence uses splendido to describe how someone looks in a dress.Tatoeba #5149491 by Guybrush88, translation #2214200 by Hybrid
- È splendido.You are gorgeous.This sentence uses splendido to tell someone they are gorgeous.Tatoeba #1280524 by Guybrush88, translation #1279693 by Eldad
- L'imponente chiesa è bellissimaThe impressive church is gorgeous
- La signora è bellissimaThe lady is gorgeous
- La vista sulla città è splendidaThe view of the city is gorgeous
- L'opera d'arte è splendidaThe artwork is gorgeous
- Il concerto è stato meravigliosoThe concert was gorgeous
- La sposa è meravigliosaThe bride is gorgeous
- La festa è stata stupendaThe party was gorgeous
- La tua nuova macchina è stupendaYour new car is gorgeous
- La giornata al mare è stata incantevoleThe day at the beach was gorgeous
- Il tuo sorriso è incantevoleYour smile is gorgeous
- Il tramonto era spettacolareThe sunset was gorgeous
- Il cantante è spettacolareThe singer is gorgeous
- Parlando della tua ultima creazione, devo dire che è bellissima! Hai davvero un grande talento.Talking about your latest creation, I must say it's gorgeous! You have great talent.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are walking through a beautiful park.
- GiuliaGuarda questo panorama, è splendido!Look at this view, it is gorgeous!
- AlessandroHai ragione, è davvero magnifico.You are right, it is truly magnificent.
- GiuliaIl tempo è così splendido oggi.The weather is so gorgeous today.
- AlessandroSì, è una giornata perfetta.Yes, it is a perfect day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry splendido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
